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Masonry Technical Resources

Design Guide for Anchored Brick Veneer Over Steel Studs

Brick masonry veneer with a steel stud backing was first used in the late 1960's. Since then, the system has proven to be a cost-effective alternative for the more traditional brick veneer with concrete masonry or wood stud backing. Its rapid acceptance, however, has preceded the development of adequate design and construction standards.

Design Guide for Structural Brick Veneer

Structural Brick Veneer is a unique approach to the design and construction of brick exterior walls. Strengthening the brick with steel reinforcement provides new opportunities for reducing the cost of the wall, increasing design flexibility and improving wall performance. In use for more than thirty years, the approach has been used extensively in the Pacific Northwest.

Effect of Veneer Joint Reinforcement on Brick Tie Embedment

Some building codes require single wire joint reinforcement in masonry veneer walls in higher seismic zones. The current investigation examines the effect of joint reinforcement on the embedment performance of one type of brick tie under reversed cyclic loading.

The purpose of the test program was to investigate the effect of different combinations of masonry material strength, splice length, structural cover depth, and diameter of reinforcement in both concrete and clay masonry panels. The results of the test program could then be used to re-evaluate current building code provisions for minimum splice criteria.

Evaluation of Tension Capacity of Masonry Splices at Early Ages

The purpose of the test program was to investigate the pullout strength of splices in bond beams in both clay and concrete masonry when tested at early ages. The results of the tests were to be used to assist in the development of a masonry wall bracing methodology.

Fire Endurance Ratings of Clay Brick Masonry

Fire resistance refers to the ability of a structure to act as a barrier to the spread of fire and to confine it to the area of origin. Therefore, in addition to withstanding the fire, the intent of the code is to prevent other materials adjacent to the brick from combusting after prolonged increased temperatures from fire, flame, or hot gases.

Hot & Cold Weather Masonry Construction

This document was developed as a reference for the construction of masonry structures during above-normal and below-normal temperature conditions. The practices presented herein are based on criteria presented in Specifications for Masonry Structures, ACI 530.1-98 / ASCE 5-98 / TMS 402-98, prepared by the Masonry Standards Joint Committee.

Masonry Institute of British Columbia Technical Manual

The purpose of this manual is to provide technical information to assist designers in the use of masonry wall systems for their projects. A variety of structural and veneer masonry assemblies are discussed, and details, specifications and project examples are provided.

Reinforced hollow clay masonry offers the building owner many advantages. These advantages are often overlooked by the structural engineer when selecting a structural system. Yet, reinforced hollow clay masonry has been successfully used for more than 40 years on many projects. The structural engineer receives limited training in the design and construction of masonry.

Quality Assurance/Quality Control Program

Research Needs of Masonry Materials and Systems

The need for workshops to establish research agendas for masonry is evident. Required advances in masonry technology must be assessed in a more consistent and orderly manner, with a mechanism for coordinated implementation of research provided to satisfy those needs.

Resistance of Exterior Walls to High Velocity Projectiles

This paper contains the findings of an experimental evaluation on the behavior of common exterior wall assemblies found in residential construction when impacted by bullets fired from a wide variety of firearms of different caliber.

TMS Disaster Investigation Report: Nisqually, Washington Earthquake

Immediately following the February 28, 2001 earthquake in Nisqually, Washington, TMS mobilized a disaster investigation team with the support of CMR. The team arrived on site on March 1, 2001 for a three-day reconnaissance of the performance of masonry structures in the affected region.

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is committed to preserving and promoting the masonry industry by providing continuing education, advocating fair codes and standards, fostering a safe work environment, recruiting future manpower, and marketing the benefits of masonry materials.